Speculation: Roster Building Thread: Part XXXVIII

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I would imagine the Rangers will be laser focused on rebuilding their center and defense depth over the next year or so. They (finally) got lucky with a top draft pick and, largely as a result, the forward depth suddenly looks a lot better moving forward. Theres now two things that stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to making this a competitive team moving forward:

1. The defense in general is a mess with a long way to go
2. Center behind Zibanejad is full of question marks

In both of these cases, I would not be surprised to see a cheapish vet signed as a 1-2 year stopgap this summer. Some people may complain about that, but it seems like the pragmatic approach that allows Gorton and company to see what they have in the kids. It certainly makes more sense than, say, throwing one of Chytil/Howden/Andersson to the 2C wolves when none of them are ready for it.

 

[Thirty One]

I do not think that having a 4th liner who plays regular 4th line minutes and happens to not be afraid to drop the gloves is an awful way to allocate rosters space.

Who are you thinking?

P.S. I'm scared to say it, but I think the Lemieux hype train is going off the rails. I don't see him above starting on the 4th line next season at all.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

I can also see a scenario where they bring in a "protector" for the kids as a 4th liner. Not necessarily a Glass again, but someone who could take a regular 4th line shift and not mind dropping the gloves at all.

I think that's Smith and Lemieux's job now and why Smith doesnt get scratched anymore

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

I think that's Smith and Lemieux's job now and why Smith doesnt get scratched anymore

Yup. Not sure if it was this thread or another one, but this is why I posted that I'm fine with him playing out his contract as a fourth line winger. It's not what we signed him to do, and he's overpaid for the role – but since the cap isn't an issue for this team (and likely won't be while he's here), having a guy who can play a respectable fourth line game, drop the gloves if need be, and serve as an emergency replacement on D if someone gets hurt, actually isn't a bad thing.

 

[Michal]

How do you assess a potential of Georgiev and Shestyorkin? Is one of them or both has/have a real chance to be a reliable starter in the Stanley Cup contender in 3-5 years? Do we need to draft a future elite goalie during our rebuild process?

 

[Alluckks]

Who are you thinking?

P.S. I'm scared to say it, but I think the Lemieux hype train is going off the rails. I don't see him above starting on the 4th line next season at all.

I think you are definitely underrating his goal scoring ability

 

[Alluckks]

Kreider + Winnipeg 1st is the package

Which do you want back:

Trouba

or

Top 10 Pick

 

[Edge]

Kreider + Winnipeg 1st is the package

Which do you want back:

Trouba

or

Top 10 Pick

Assuming it's a position to grab a guy I have in the 3-8 range, I go with the pick.

I like Trouba's talent level, I really do. But I just don't know about the durability or the performance in an environment where he's expected to be a top dog on defense for a less talented team.

I think the timeline for this team is still what it is, and I go with a guy who has a chance to be core part of what we build and coming of age at just the right time.

It's a gamble, but I feel like we need to take those at this point.

 

[Gardner McKay]

Kreider + Winnipeg 1st is the package

Which do you want back:

Trouba

or

Top 10 Pick

Depends, where is the Winnipeg pick?

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

Who are you thinking?

P.S. I'm scared to say it, but I think the Lemieux hype train is going off the rails. I don't see him above starting on the 4th line next season at all.

I think he’ll be on the third line. I expect Vesey to be gone, though.

I think Lemieux can surprise come camp. He’s more skilled than he’s given credit for. His numbers relative to his ice time are promising. He’ll never mistaken for Marchand, but I could see 20 goals and 40 points for Lemieux one day.

 

[duhmetreE]

Kreider + Winnipeg 1st is the package

Which do you want back:

Trouba

or

Top 10 Pick

I don't think it'd cost that much.

Maybe a conditional pick and some prospects. They have no need for a winger.

 

[Gardner McKay]

I think he’ll be on the third line. I expect Vesey to be gone, though.

I think Lemieux can surprise come camp. He’s more skilled than he’s given credit for. His numbers relative to his ice time are promising. He’ll never mistaken for Marchand, but I could see 20 goals and 40 points for Lemieux one day.

I don't think ANYONE thought Marchand would be what he has become but I see your point. If we get a guy that is a total pain the ass to play against and can chip in 15-20 goals a year... that would be amazing. The importance of having players like that is so underrated.

 

[TheTakedown]

Honestly if we take KK I’d bring back purple Hayes. 6x6 if he’ll take it (maybe not enough). Don’t go after anymore FAs and keep it going. I think Fast will get extended, I trust JG on whatever he’s going to do with CK. I hope Pionk is scuttled to the bottom of the sound and we can give TDA that top 1RD ice time next year- i think he’ll break out big time.

I'd rather Duchene than Hayes, to be honest. Cost should be about the same

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

I don't think ANYONE thought Marchand would be what he has become but I see your point. If we get a guy that is a total pain the ass to play against and can chip in 15-20 goals a year... that would be amazing. The importance of having players like that is so underrated.

He’s more than a pain in the ass. He’s a psycho. He’s the perfect answer to a piece of shit like Wilson. I don’t think Wilson wants anything to do with Lemieux in a fight, dude didn’t even wanna fight Tony D

 

[duhmetreE]

I'd rather Duchene than Hayes, to be honest. Cost should be about the same

Duchene is rumored to want 9M.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

I'd rather Duchene than Hayes, to be honest. Cost should be about the same

No thanks. I think he’ll re-sign in Columbus anyway, he’s been a great fit there.

 

[TheTakedown]

Duchene is rumored to want 9M.

Jesus, $9M??? That's insane for a 60 point centermen... The guy is basically a offensive version of Derek Stepan

 

[mas0764]

Kreider + Winnipeg 1st is the package

Which do you want back:

Trouba

or

Top 10 Pick

Top 10 pick.

Cost controlled and you are obviously hoping for a player as good or better than Trouba. Potentially you could find a #1 center. Zegras or Turcotte.

 

[NYR Viper]

Lemieux skill is still being underrated by some. He isn't a 4th line player even right now

I wouldn't mind Gorton finding someone else to play on the lower lines who doesn't mind dropping the gloves to protect their teammates. The guy needs to be able to play the game and effect the game in a positive direction.

 

[TheTakedown]

Lemieux skill is still being underrated by some. He isn't a 4th line player even right now

I wouldn't mind Gorton finding someone else to play on the lower lines who doesn't mind dropping the gloves to protect their teammates. The guy needs to be able to play the game and effect the game in a positive direction.

Agree with this. Lemuiex is what people thought Vesey could actually be + the mean streak. The guy is exactly what you want in a middle 6 all around player.

He starts on the 3rd line at LEAST... I can see him on the 2nd line with the right linemates

 

[True Blue]

Who are you thinking?

P.S. I'm scared to say it, but I think the Lemieux hype train is going off the rails. I don't see him above starting on the 4th line next season at all.

I understand the fear, but I think that Lemieux starts on the third line. I do not think that Gorton traded for him to be a third liner. He did not look at all out of place last year. And dare I say, he and Andersson together actually looked very good. Tack on Strome and you have a pretty good third line.

 

[True Blue]

I think that's Smith and Lemieux's job now and why Smith doesnt get scratched anymore

Interesting take. You could be right.

 

[Trxjw]

How do you assess a potential of Georgiev and Shestyorkin? Is one of them or both has/have a real chance to be a reliable starter in the Stanley Cup contender in 3-5 years? Do we need to draft a future elite goalie during our rebuild process?

Shestyorkin definitely has the potential to be an elite starter in the NHL. I think Georgie's has starter potential as well but perhaps not as high of a ceiling.

Either way, going out of our way to draft a high end goalie is probably a mistake right now.

 

[Fugazy]

Kreider + Winnipeg 1st is the package

Which do you want back:

Trouba

or

Top 10 Pick

Top 10 pick if it gets us the center we need.

 

[duhmetreE]

Pionk, one of the LHD prospects not named Miller, 2nd round pick and Names ( who could slot in as their 3c? ) for Trouba.

Trouba should get less of a return than Karlsson.